Which of the following is NOT a second-generation antipsychotic?

Which of the following is NOT a second-generation antipsychotic?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Clozapine
• C. Lurasidone
• D. Aripiprazole

Answer: (A)

The difference being tested is between first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. Haloperidol is a classic first-generation antipsychotic that works mainly by strongly blocking dopamine D2 receptors. This effectively reduces positive psychotic symptoms but comes with a higher risk of extrapyramidal side effects such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia. The other drugs listed are second-generation antipsychotics, which generally target both dopamine and serotonin receptors and tend to have lower EPS risk, though they come with other considerations like metabolic side effects (weight gain, lipid changes, etc.) and specific safety profiles (for example, clozapine requires monitoring for agranulocytosis). So Haloperidol is not a second-generation antipsychotic.

The difference being tested is between first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. Haloperidol is a classic first-generation antipsychotic that works mainly by strongly blocking dopamine D2 receptors. This effectively reduces positive psychotic symptoms but comes with a higher risk of extrapyramidal side effects such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia.

The other drugs listed are second-generation antipsychotics, which generally target both dopamine and serotonin receptors and tend to have lower EPS risk, though they come with other considerations like metabolic side effects (weight gain, lipid changes, etc.) and specific safety profiles (for example, clozapine requires monitoring for agranulocytosis).

So Haloperidol is not a second-generation antipsychotic.